MUSEUM VISITORS chat with docent Chet Hopkins on deck of the schooner Sherman Zwicker, which winters in Boothbay Harbor and berths in Bath during the summer.
The Maine Maritime Museum is looking for crew members to greet visitors aboard the Sherman Zwicker, the historic fishing schooner docked at the museum’s waterfront pier July to October.
The museum is also seeking docents to staff its “How to Launch a Wooden Ship” demonstration.
No experience is necessary.
A get-acquainted party for prospective volunteers will be held 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21 at the museum.
It’s an opportunity to talk with veteran docents of both museum attractions to find outwhat it’s like to be a waterfront volunteer.
The Sherman Zwicker calls Boothbay Harbor its home port, but makes an annual three-month visit to the museum during the summer season as one of its most popular attractions, according to Ann Harrison, who coordinates the museum’s volunteer program.
In order to have the vessel and launching demonstration open to visitors seven days a week, with a requisite number of two shifts daily, the museum requires 28 volunteers — at a minimum — each week.
“Everyone loves to serve on the Zwicker,” according to Chet Hopkins, who has served on the vessel for eight years. “In the recent past, anyone wishing to work on the Zwicker would face a one- to twoyear waiting period to get on board as a member of the crew. With members of our pool of Zwicker volunteers gradually retiring each season, however, it’s not like that any more.”
Hopkins said this is a great year for prospective “armchair sailors” to step aboard.
To register to attend the open house, call 443-1316, Ext. 350; or email harrison@maritimeme.org.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
